23/11/2008  Shatin  Race 5

GIVE WELL began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of LUCKY DRAGON. As a consequence, GIVE WELL lost ground. KIMBERLEY lifted its front feet off the ground as the gates opened and was slow to begin. JUGGERNAUT, which was standing badly, began awkwardly and bumped with AMBITIOUS OWNER. After this, JUGGERNAUT took time to muster speed and throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. The performance of JUGGERNAUT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JUGGERNAUT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. In the early stages, despite being ridden along, LUCKY DRAGON failed to muster speed. At the 1000 Metres, KIMBERLEY was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of PEARL HALO which shifted in away from YOUNG ELITE. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, LUCKY DRAGON was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of WEALTH SYNERGY. At the 500 Metres, YOUNG ELITE was steadied when disappointed for running while attempting to shift to the outside of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, PEARL HALO was held up and unable to obtain clear running. In the early part of the Straight, YOUNG ELITE was steadied away from the heels of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE which commenced to give ground. For a considerable distance after the 400 Metres, GIVE WELL was steadied and shifted to the outside of runners to obtain running. The performance of WEALTH SYNERGY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WEALTH SYNERGY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. C K Tong (YOUNG ELITE) explained when his mount obtained clear running near the 300 Metres and he commenced to improve his position, YOUNG ELITE got its head on the side and hung in. He said because of this he was at a disadvantage in riding his mount out. He said after the 200 Metres he pulled the whip on YOUNG ELITE and the horse continued to hang in. He said after the 100 Metres YOUNG ELITE shifted ground and was causing some inconvenience to NEW IDEA, he therefore stopped riding and straightened his mount. When questioned regarding the poor performance of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE, Apprentice K C Leung said he had been instructed to lead if the pace was suitable, however, if the tempo of the early stages was too quick, he should take a sit off the speed. He said BEAUTIFUL CHOICE began well, he rode along in the early stages and crossed to race outside CASH MONEY in the lead. He said when AMBITIOUS OWNER was hard ridden to go forward, he took a sit rather than to push forward. He said the tempo of the race in the early stages in his opinion was solid and BEAUTIFUL CHOICE travelled satisfactorily until the 500 Metres. He said on straightening he placed BEAUTIFUL CHOICE under pressure, however, there was no response from his mount which gave ground after the 300 Metres. He said in his opinion the tempo of the race in the early stages contributed to the poor performance of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE. BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of BEAUTIFUL CHOICE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTIFUL CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CASH MONEY and YOUNG ELITE were sent for sampling.